DALLAS (Ticker) -- The Dallas Mavericks still have plenty to
play for, which is more than the Los Angeles Clippers can say.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points to lead five players in double
figures as the Mavericks maintained their lead atop the Midwest
Division with a 115-90 rout of the Clippers.

Michael Finley added 20 points for Dallas (52-22), which leads
San Antonio by 1 1/2 games in its quest for its first division
title since 1987. The Mavericks also are chasing the
Sacramento Kings for the best record in the Western Conference.

After a slow start, Dallas grabbed a 44-43 halftime lead, took
control in the third quarter behind Raef LaFrentz and blew out
Los Angeles in the final period.

It was another discouraging loss for the Clippers (37-39),
whose faint playoff hopes are just about over. They have lost
six of their last eight games, including a pair to the Utah
Jazz. Los Angeles trails Utah by 5 1/2 games for the final
playoff spot in the West.